on a roll
June 24th, 2007If you haven’t noticed, Mercedes Benz decided at some point that Benz didn’t have to be synonymous with dull. First came the SLK, then the new S class, then the SL revision. Now we have the upcoming C class, which seems set to strike a brilliant balance between sporting and supple:
Feel is superb, grip prodigious and, no matter how hard you push, the C350 refuses to come a cropper. Truth is, it enjoys being taken by the scruff of the neck and hammered. The basic tenacity and faithfulness of the chassis, massaged and focused by the electro-hydraulic damping regimes, can simply murder a twisty road. And the steering isn’t just beautifully weighted but dripping with feel. Cornering balance is just about spot on, too.
Even with the traction control left on (being a non-AMG it never fully switches off), slide the auto down a cog or two and it’s possible to enter a bend on a trailing throttle with a mild state of oversteer. Stab-correct stuff; your granny could do it. There’s definitely a feeling that the car is maybe more than an equal partner – flattering to the point you begin to doubt your own contribution. But also encouraging.- evo
Welcome back, Mercedes.